A new development on the unit in the last week. After dialysing for eleventy-ten years and self caring throughout that time, using 15g needles and high pump speeds, a ‘specialist’ nurse has now dictated that I should be using 14g needles with a pump speed in excess of 400ml/min. I currently run with a pump speed of around 470ml/min which tends to net out at a flow of 415ml/min. Interesting to read all the studies on this issue, that conclude that the needle size at 15g has now detrimental effect at high pump speeds. The only issue that manifests itself is a higher venous and lower arterial pressure, and this is primarily down to circuit pressure. I see no need therefore to change my needle size to 14g especially moving on to daily dialysis. My fistula, touch wood, has lasted for over 20 years, so I am adding to the risk of loss with daily dialysis without compounding the issue. Anybody else had a similar issue to address?
